During that period alongside John Mousinho, he has overseen the Blues capturing the League One title and now enjoying successive seasons in the Championship, currently in 14th spot.
With the Hughes era beginning in October 2022, we’ve taken a look at all 43 permanent signings since them - rating each of them.
NOTE: These do not include Pompey’s 16 loan recruits during that time, which will be examined another day.
33. Mark Kosznovszky - JURY'S STILL OUT
(5 games, 0 goals) The Hungarian was linked with plenty of clubs in the summer, yet it was Pompey who signed him from MTK Budapest. Been very much a settling-in period for the 23-year-old, whose only league start was at Ipswich and in an unnatural right-wing position for a real baptism of fire. Looks useful delivering corners, but it's still too early to judge his impact. Photo: Graham Hunt
34. Regan Poole - HIT
(53 games, 4 goals) The free transfer from Lincoln has experienced injury problems at Fratton Park, but there has never been any doubt of his ability. A wonderful start to the 2023-24 season saw the centre-half earn his first Wales international cap, only to sustained an ACL damage to his knee at Chesterfield in November 2023, ruling him out for the remainder of the year. Has battled back admirably, with more injury moments last term, but has been magnificent at the start of the current campaign and an automatic starter for John Mousinho. Photo: Graham Hunt
35. Ibane Bowat- JURY'S STILL OUT
(1 game, 0 goals) Within 10 days of his Pompey arrival from Fulham for an undisclosed free, Bowat was ruled out for the 2024-25 season with a knee injury sustained by shooting. Returned this summer and featured in the Carabao Cup defeat to Reading - his match competitive match since May 2024. Currently fourth-choice centre-half or fifth when everyone is fit. Need to see more of him before he can be judged. Photo: Simon Roe
36. Luke Le Roux - JURY'S STILL OUT
(6 games, 0 goals) There have been some really good moments from the recruit from Varnamo, but it is still too early to judge whether he's been a success. Looks strong, passes the ball well, always susceptible to a booking, and earned praise from John Mousinho in defeats against Reading and Sheffield Wednesday. Will be interesting to watch him develop in the English game. Photo: Jeff Mood